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Lightforce

Brand

ApplicationBurlington, Massachusetts, USAFounded 2015· One of 686 Application companies tracked by AMPulse

World's first fully personalized 3D printed braces system using AI and custom ceramic brackets for each patient

CEO / Founder
Erica Rogers
Team Size
501-1000
Stage
Active
Total Funding
$200M
Latest Round
Series D
Key Investors
Ally Bridge Group, Kleiner Perkins

Technology & Products

Key Products

World's first fully personalized 3D printed braces system using AI and custom ceramic brackets for each patient.

Technological Advantage

AI-powered digital treatment planning combined with 3D printed ceramic brackets custom-matched to each tooth; integrated digital workflow for orthodontists

Patent position

Lightforce filed 11 patent families in 2022-2024, up 38% from 8 in 2019-2021, while tracked AM filings in the same patent offices fell 31%, and its 29 total families remain far behind Align Technology's 200. AMPulse analysis

Filing momentum
11 families filed 2022–2024, 8 in 2019–2021 (+38%); all tracked AM filings in the same offices -31%
Focus, 2019–2021 → 2022–2024
Applications 100% → 100%
Filed in
US 76%WO 14%EP 10%
Named competitors, AM patent families
Align Technology 200

29 AM patent families in total. Recent years are still being published, so read a filing change against the same-office figure.

Differentiation

Value Proposition

To provide a more personalized, efficient, and effective orthodontic treatment through custom-fit 3D printed braces, reducing treatment time and appointments.

How They Differentiate

Custom 3D printed vs. stock brackets; faster treatment times, fewer appointments, better fit, ceramic aesthetics

Market & Competition

Target Customers

Orthodontists, dental practices, patients seeking faster orthodontic treatment

Industry Verticals

Orthodontics, Dental Healthcare, Medical Devices

Competitors

Suresmile, Invisalign, LiteCure, Uniform Teeth, Mureni, Smartee, Complete Dental Care, Carestream Dental, Insmile, Align Technology

Growth & Milestones

Growth Metrics

Ranked #47 on the 2024 Deloitte Technology Fast 500, with a reported 500% revenue growth and 300% team growth in the year prior to its Series C funding.

Major Milestones

2015: Founded in Burlington, Massachusetts, 2020: Raised $14M Series B led by Tyche Partners, 2023: Raised $80M Series D led by Ally Bridge Group, Market expansion across US orthodontic practices, 2026-07-16: Erica Rogers appointed CEO; founder Dr. Alfred Griffin transitions to Chairman & Chief Product Officer

Notable Customers

Orthodontic practices across North America.

https://lf.co

Recent coverage of Lightforce

AM patents

AM-relevant patents linked to this company.

Patents
36
Granted
19
Families
29

Leading domains: application (36), process (36), material (14)

Filings by year: 2025: 3 · 2024: 3 · 2023: 3 · 2022: 10 · 2021: 3 · 2020: 3

  1. IRRADIATION TECHNIQUES FOR ORTHODONTIC ALIGNERS2024049673 · WO
  2. Ceramic processing and design for the direct manufacture of customized labial and lingual orthodontic clear aligner attachments11890157 · US
  3. Process for fabricating a digital bite opening appliance during orthodontic treatment12133785 · US
  4. CUSTOM SEGMENTED INDIRECT BOND TRAYS20250325351 · US
  5. PONTIC WITH ARCHWIRE CONNECTION2023215439 · WO

Funding rounds

  • Series D$80.0M2023-08-02Lead: Ally Bridge Group
  • Series C$50.0M2021-01-01Lead: Kleiner Perkins

Why this company matters

AMPulse analysis, not a company disclosure

Lightforce addresses the limitations of standardized orthodontic hardware by replacing mass-produced stock brackets with a fully personalized system. While traditional methods rely on generic components that require manual adjustment to fit individual tooth anatomy, this platform utilizes an integrated digital workflow to manufacture brackets tailored to each patient's unique dental structure. This approach aims to increase treatment efficiency and reduce the frequency of clinical appointments.

The core technology combines AI-powered digital treatment planning with Vat Photopolymerization (VPP) to produce custom ceramic brackets. By leveraging high-resolution additive manufacturing, the system produces labial and lingual brackets that match the specific morphology of a patient's teeth. This digital-to-manufacturing pipeline allows for on-demand production of ceramic composites that maintain aesthetic qualities while providing the precision required for complex orthodontic movements.

The company serves the dental healthcare and medical device markets, specifically targeting orthodontists and dental practices across North America. By integrating custom 3D printed braces into existing clinical workflows, the system seeks to differentiate itself from clear aligner competitors like Align Technology. The company's growth is supported by significant venture backing, including investment from Kleiner Perkins and Delta Dental of California, positioning it as a specialized player in the digital orthodontics sector.